During this Season of Lent, we are taking a triple approach to our Lenten Journey. First, we invite everyone to commit to the traditional disciplines of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Second, one of our justice committees will offer a weekly reflection focused on different social justice concerns. This week, our Criminal Justice Ministry is offering a reflection. Third, we will present a weekly meditation on different Christian virtues such as hospitality, Integrity, humility, clarity, unity, and strength, one each week. During the Fifth week of Lent, we are focusing on the virtues of Dutifulness and Devotion.
Last week I had the privilege to spend some time with Michelangelo’s famous Pietá in St. Peter’s Basilica. I was reminded of my first visit when I was just 19 years old. My amazement at this great work of art has not wavered. I am still mesmerized by the beauty and in awe of the perfection of this sculpture, created when Michelangelo was only 23 years old.
What struck me then, and still does today, is the peacefulness in the face of Mary. After Mary witnessed the horrific torture and violent death of her Son, she is now holding his lifeless body in her arms. Many depictions of this moment in Mary’s life illustrate her profound sadness, even her frustration and despair. In Michelangelo’s Pietá, however, Mary appears totally composed, even serene and at peace.
An explanation may be found in the true meaning of the word Pietá. This word is rooted in the Latin word pietas. While pietas is often translated in English as piety or pity, this is a narrow and watered down translation. Pietas is a very complex virtue embodying dutifulness, unity in purpose, loyalty, and devotion. And this is exactly what Michelangelo depicted in the face and posture of Mary. She is united in purpose with the mission of her Son, no matter the cost. And she invites us to do the very same.
The Christian Virtue of Devotion
The virtue of Christian devotion is not merely a spiritual feeling or a mystical sentiment which is often identified as piety, rather it implies ardent dedication, loyalty, and commitment to God.
The virtue of devotion is the internal movement of the will toward God, manifested through consistent prayer, and service. It is the desire to respond faithfully to God’s Word and to live out our Christian calling. True Christian devotion is a wholehearted commitment to Christ which enables believers to live out the great Gospel values in our daily life.
The Gospel of the Raising of Lazarus we hear on this Fifth Sunday of Lent illustrates the power of true devotion as Lazarus’ sisters proclaim their unwavering faith in Jesus. Though they lament the death of their brother, they cry out in faith: “Lord, if you had been here, Lazarus would not have died.”
The Christian Virtue of Dutifulness
The Christian virtue of dutifulness is the consistent and loving commitment to fulfill one’s responsibilities to God and neighbor. It goes far beyond merely following rules but requires proactive initiative that reflects the work of a “good and faithful servant” as described in the Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25).
Dutifulness begins with love of God and loyalty to God’s commandments. Dutifulness also implies generous love extended to our neighbors, mirroring the unwavering nature of God’s love for us.
While dutifulness is not explicitly named in the standard biblical list of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, it is closely associated with faithfulness, which is one of the nine attributes mentioned in Galatians 5:22–23
The virtue of dutifulness in the Gospel of the Raising of Lazarus is illustrated by the service of the sisters to Jesus and their brother as well as by Jesus’ miracle, which is not just to help his friends but also to show God’s glory.
Some Suggestions to Cultivate Devotion and Dutifulness
- Establish a manageable rhythm: through setting aside a specific time and selecting a quiet place for daily prayer and reflection.
- Be reasonable in your approach: by starting small, maybe with one verse from Scripture, one brief prayer, or five minutes of stillness.
- Focus on presence: by showing up consistently, even when you are not in the mood.
- Care for others: by holding their well-being above personal comfort.
- Act with integrity: by choosing to uphold a commitment even when tempted not to do so.